A SEAFOOD festival is being hailed as a big success after drawing record numbers.

The Seafood and Wine Festival took place on The Stade shingle beach in Hastings Old Town, Hastings last weekend.

Now in its 14th year, the festival saw thousands descend on the seafront to enjoy a selection of fresh seafood and delicious wines.

The festival also took steps to ensure that it was free of single use plastics.

Councillor Peter Chowney, leader of Hastings Borough Council, said: “It was a brilliant weekend in every respect. The sun shone, and many thousands of local residents and visitors flocked to the Stade to enjoy the festival.

“I was particularly pleased that the festival was single use plastic free, following on from our commitment to eliminate single use plastic from events on council land.

“The Stade open space was packed throughout the weekend, with a mixture of new stalls and firm favourites selling their wares.

“It was even busier than last year with some stalls selling their entire weekend produce on the first day, and having to restock for Sunday.

“Many visitors and stallholders commented on the fantastic atmosphere, and the entertainment marquee was extremely popular too.

“The festival was meant to show off the very best in local produce.

“From the feedback it did just that.”